Bay Area Performing Arts

The Second Annual Bay Area Performing Arts Gala and performances are at the Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center, and I can safely say that it is worth every penny.  I know this is late notice, but it's only going on one more day, April 12, 2002.  If you are looking for something to do, go see some dance.

Let me put it into simple terms.  Instead of going to see some movie or sitting in bar, venture over to Fort Mason and see real people on stage perform art.  As it was pointed out to Moe before I entered the theater, dance is an art form that is only live.  It's not a painting that can be viewed today, or tomorrow.  It's right now.  And, you can applaud the artist right then and there.  Very novel.

I'll spell things out for those of us that don't normally go see dance (can anyone say Cats!).  You enter the theater just like seeing a play, not too dressy, but you'll feel better if you're not in jeans.  Find your seat and sit down leaving the popcorn at home.  You've already had a nice meal and you don't want to get your nice pants messy.

Sit down and you'll see 4 dance performances.  What that means is dance companies (groups, like bands) will come out and put on their show.  They don't last long, 10 or 15 minutes each; you'll be able to pay attention for it all.  There is an intermission which allows you to grab a drink and visit the little boys' or girls' room.

The first group you will see will be the Rapt Performance Group and they have a very fun show.  Don't look for dialogue, remember, this is dance, but there is a story portrayed here.  It's fun, the music is upbeat and it will get you comfortable with the fact that you haven't done this before but you're faking it well.  The most comforting part may just be a clip of the Simpson's sound track, but it's good to get out of your comfort zone every now and then.  This performance is actually part of a larger body of work titled, House which we should all look for in January at Theater Artaud.

Okay, you've made it through the first one and you're getting the hang of when to be quiet and when to applaud.  Company number two, The Foundry, will show you that this definitely isn't your grandmother's dance performance.  With a mix of video and live dance, this group can put you in a trance with their movements.  Add to that a great musical score, including John Lennon's Jealous Guy, and a fully nude dancer and you will pay attention.  You will be entertained.  Yes, I did say nude dancer.

After the intermission you will sit back down (in the same seats) and find the stage full of dancers with the Kunst-Stoff company.  This one fascinated me with its use of dialogue and a dancer who wore a mic.  Think about it.  If you were out at a nightclub bustin' your moves bigger than you've ever busted before, some sort of grunts, groans, huffs and puffs would eek out of your mouth.  Not so with a professional.  I'm telling you this detail now so you can get over it and focus on the fluid movement of the ensemble, the live music accompaniment, and the fact that they have ten dancers working simultaneously.

For the final company, they give you the concentrated version.  There are four dancers that move quickly, great music that will get your blood pumping, and lighting that suits your mood.  Arms are pantomiming while legs are twirling, skirts are loose and the entire stage is used.  You have been warmed up by all the talented performers and this is your last chance to appreciate the art form.  Take it in and try not to blink.

Once you enjoy the performances, applaud loudly.  These people work hard for their art and it will take you away from whatever worries you had earlier in the day (deadlines, bosses, checkbooks).  Seeing live performances can make you realize there are other things in life.  Then venture out for a nighttime view of the bay and you'll be really glad you didn't go to Blondie's in the Mission or the AMC 1000 Van Ness theater.

Go to the Cowell Theater Friday, April 12, 2002 at 8 p.m.  Tickets are reasonable $18 - $25.

More info: www.baparts.org

Photos courtesy of Andy Mogg: www.dancingimages.com

You're getting the hang of when to be quiet and when to applaud